The development, implementation, and evaluation of a computerized laboratory simulation package for introductory college genetics

Abstract:

The fundamental objective of this research was to investigate the usefulness and appropriateness of computer simulation to improve the acquisition of necessary skills used in genetic analysis. Interactive computer simulations were developed and tested for their effectiveness in achieving the desired goal. These simulations were tested for six months before full implementation. The final testing took place over a nine-month period and involved a total of sixty-five beginning genetics students from five different classes. The students in the classes were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups.A pre/posttest, based upon behavioral objectives specifically written for the simulations, was administered. A two-way analysis of variance was used with the independent factors of treatment and sex. The dependent variable was the posttest. A second two-way analysisof variance was used with the same independent factors, but the dependent variable was the final numerical course score.The analysis showed no significant differences between the groups tested. However, a secondary analysis of the groups involved in the Summer of 1980 showed that the mean posttest score of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the control group. Note .that the Summer class was taught in five weeks, whereas the other classes were taught over an eleven-week period.Tie results of this study indicate that (1) simulations were as effective as, but not significantly more effective than, the "live" laboratory experiments in improving student skills in genetic analysis, and (2) simulations can be used very effectively as a backup system in case "live" experiments cannot be performed. Finally, this study suggests that further research should be conducted on the effectiveness of computer simulations with students who are taking courses that axe compressed into short time spans.